2027 Polls At Risk Without Responsible Broadcasting, INEC Chairman Warns

By Ademu Idakwo, Abuja

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has raised fresh concerns about the integrity of the 2027 General Election, warning that the misuse of the airwaves and the spread of misinformation could undermine the credibility of the polls.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Amupitan said the information space has become a decisive battleground in modern elections, noting that false narratives amplified through broadcast platforms now pose a greater threat than physical disruptions.

He stressed that the credibility of the forthcoming election would depend significantly on how responsibly broadcasters manage the nation’s airwaves, cautioning that they must not become “a megaphone for chaos.”

The INEC boss called for strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions regulating political broadcasting.

He emphasised that with 22 registered political parties, equal access to media platforms is a legal obligation, not a matter of discretion.

Amupitan further warned against the use of abusive, inflammatory, or divisive language that could incite ethnic or religious tensions, saying such content could erode national cohesion and destabilise the electoral process.

He also reminded broadcasters of the mandatory 24-hour “cooling-off period” before Election Day, during which political campaigns and advertisements are prohibited to allow voters to make informed decisions free from last-minute manipulation.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the INEC chairman maintained that such freedom must be exercised within the bounds of the law, noting that the airwaves, as a public resource, demand responsible use.

He highlighted the complementary roles of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in regulating political broadcasting, but pointed to challenges including regulatory overlaps, enforcement gaps, and the growing convergence of traditional and digital media.

Amupitan also raised concerns over perceived incumbency advantage in state-owned media and the increasing commercialisation of political airtime, warning that such practices could marginalise smaller parties and undermine a level playing field.

To address these issues, he advocated stronger collaboration between regulators, clearer legal definitions of equal access, improved fact-checking systems, and greater transparency in political advertising, including disclosure of sponsorship and pricing.

He urged broadcasters to prioritise truth and professionalism over profit, verify information before dissemination, and actively combat fake news, while also mobilising citizens for greater participation in the electoral process.

Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, Amupitan advised media organisations to rely on the Commission’s official platforms for accurate electoral information, assuring continued engagement with its spokespersons.

He concluded that beyond logistics and technology, the success of the 2027 General Election will largely depend on the integrity of Nigeria’s information environment and the responsibility of its broadcast media.